Serge Ibaka Says LeBron James Is Poor Defender, Can't Guard Kevin Durant

LeBron James is considered to be one of the best defensive players in the NBA.

Serge Ibaka doesn't agree.

He has been named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team for the past four seasons, and anchored one of the best defensive teams this year. But according to the Thunder big man, James' play doesn't live up to all the hype.

LeBron is not a good defender. He can play defense for 2-3 minutes but not 48 minutes. LeBron can't play (Durant) one-on-one, said Ibaka.

The Heat currently have a 2-1 series lead over the Thunder, with Game Four in Miami Tuesday night. OKC is looking to avoid being one game away from elimination, but it's not because Durant hasn't had a good series.

Ibaka made his comments for a reason. Durant is averaging 31 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.3 blocks in three Finals games. He's also shooting 57.4 percent from the field.

James has guarded Durant at times during the series, but he hasn't tried to stop him exclusively. Shane Battier has been on Durant for much of the time.

The Heat aren't the only team that can't stop Durant. He has been the NBA's leading scorer for the past three seasons.

Ibaka is also known as one of the league's best defenders. He finished second in the voting for the defensive player of the year award. He led the NBA with 3.7 blocks per game.